Unity construction workers face immigration charges

UNITY — Two Unity Elementary School construction project workers who were arrested July 3 for alleged immigration violations are expected to appear before an immigration judge.

“U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) processed and released both Erick and Rolando Tinajero, of Mexico, on their own recognizance after issuing each with a notice to appear before an immigration judge. ICE will continue to actively manage the Tinajoro cases until an immigration judge issues a ruling,” Daniel Modricker, public affairs officer for ICE in New England, said in an email Friday. “All decisions regarding the level of supervision required for individuals in removal proceedings are made on a case by case basis. ICE remains committed to sensible, effective immigration enforcement that focuses on its priorities, including convicted criminals and other public safety threats.”

.Modricker said that non-U.S. citizens who are apprehended and determined to need custodial supervision are placed in detention facilities.

The two workers were arrested in Washington on July 3, when their vehicle was stopped for an inspection sticker violation...The driver and four occupants were returning home from the Unity Elementary School construction project job site, Washington Police Chief Steven Marshall said. The driver was charged with driving without a license...Marshall said brothers Erick Tinajero, 24, and Rolando Tinajero, 29, are Mexican citizens living in Manchester. They were arrested on a DHS-ICE detainer for investigation to determine whether they are subject to removal from the United States...They were held at the Sullivan County House of Corrections in Unity until they were released to ICE officials.

The brothers, who work for a subcontractor working at the construction site for a new school, were back at the job site July 7, according to SAU 6 superintendent Middleton McGoodwin...The N.H. Department of Labor routinely sends investigators to work sites to ensure all labor laws are being abided by, N.H. Department of Labor Deputy Commissioner Kathryn J. Barger said Friday.

Because of the recent arrest, the Unity work site has been flagged and an inspector will be sent to the site, she said...mpierce@newstote.com..